We spent a week in Gardiner, Montana which is located at the North entrance of Yellowstone National Park. It was a very short drive to the entrance where each day we were greeted with elk and pronghorn antelope.
Gardiner, Montana
From Little Bighorn we traveled a few hours to Gardiner. We stayed at the Yellowstone RV Park. They had 50 amp service, high water pressure requiring a water pressure regulator, sewer, ok internet, and cable. Verizon service was good. The best part of this RV park was facing the Yellowstone River. There were plenty of shops and restaurants.
Flying Pig
We took a 2 hour raft trip down the Yellowstone River. Even though water levels were high, there were no significant rapids and we hardly got wet. It was still a lot of fun. The photo is of another raft going past our motorhome.
Yellowstone
It’s amazing and full of hydrothermal wonders and animals. The only downside is the number of other tourists and long hours of driving. The north and west entrances offer the shortest distances into the park.
Lamar Valley
The Lamar Valley is in the northern section, east of Tower-Roosevelt. Beautiful snowcapped mountains and green grass meadows with the Lamar River running through it. A huge herd of buffalo resided here.
On the way to Lamar Valley, we passed the Undine Falls.
We came across deer, a coyote, and black bear.
Elk, pronghorn antelope, and bighorn sheep were in the area.
There were large herds of bison, mostly along the Lamar River.
Sandy spotted this marmot sunning on a rock outcrop.
Going over Dunraven pass there were numerous wildflowers.
Mammoth Hot Springs
Mammoth Springs cover a large area at the North entrance. The patterns they create are just gorgeous.
There is an extensive boardwalk to get close to the numerous springs and formations.
Beryl Spring
It’s one of the hottest springs in the park at an average of 198 F.
Terrace Springs
A small grouping of springs just off the Norris/Madison road. Hardly anyone stopped here, too busy getting to the next big attraction.
Norris Geyser Basin
It took us a few attempts on multiple days before we finally were able to find parking, but our frustration was rewarded.
The Norris Geyser Basin may be the hottest geyser basin in Yellowstone. An attempt was made to drill in the area, but abandoned when steam temperatures exceeded 400 F.
Much of Porcelain Basin has a stark, barren landscape because of a sulfuric acid environment. Pink, red, and orange colors from iron oxides and yellows from sulfur brighten it up. Bacteria bring the other colors in more favorable pools.
Steamboat Geyser
Eruptions are difficult to predict but when it does, it’s the tallest geyser in the world at 380 feet.
Emerald Spring
It’s a clear blue pool but because of the yellow sulfur lining the inside, the color is emerald.
Artists Paintpots
Located near the Norris Geyser Basin, this is a 1 mile trail to bubbling mud pots and milky blue pools.
Waterfalls
The Gibbon and Gardner waterfalls were stunning from the spring melt.
Flowers
There were so many wildflowers.
Madison River
A beautiful drive along the Madison River near the West entrance. We came across a herd of elk with calves. Yellowstone is definitely one of our favorite parks.
thanks for sharing, beautiful photos as always!
Yellowstone is one of our favorites. Thank you!